Honda explores electric mountain biking with a radical concept
- Published on 02/01/2026 12:15
- Modified on 02/01/2026 12:16
Honda surprised everyone by unveiling a fully suspended electric mountain bike concept, accompanied by an impressive external battery on wheels.
This conceptual e-MTB clearly fits into Honda’s sporty DNA. Its design is directly inspired by the legendary Honda RN01 DH, a downhill mountain bike that competed in the World Cup in the mid-2000s and was crowned champion in 2005. Notably, it features a rare aluminum monocoque architecture in the mountain biking world, already proven by Honda in competition. While the RN01 used a titanium gearbox, the electric concept adopts a central motor integrated at the crankset, of which Honda does not specify the power or origin.
The frame rests on a “thin-wall” aluminum structure, a thin-wall molding technology used by Honda in automotive and motorcycle applications. It allows for a blend of rigidity, lightweight, and precise assembly. The choice of components affirms the high-end and committed orientation of the project: a Fox Float X Performance Elite suspension at the rear, a Fox 36 Performance fork at the front, four-piston Shimano XT brakes, DT Swiss XM 1700 wheels, and Maxxis Minion DHR II tires. The Shimano XT transmission excludes the use of the SRAM Eagle Powertrain, contrary to some rumors.
On-Demand Charging
But the most distinctive element is undoubtedly the external battery presented alongside the bike. Mounted on wheels, it is designed to recharge the e-MTB several times in complete autonomy, for example during trips in a van or motorhome. Honda even incorporated a small toolbox, designed for outdoor use.
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No announcement of production or commercialization has been made. As often at this type of show, it is primarily a laboratory of ideas. However, in the wake of Yamaha and its return to the European electric bike market, Honda shows that it is closely watching this rapidly changing segment.
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This page is translated from the original post "Honda explore le VTT électrique avec un concept radical" in French.
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